Arts and Entertainment

Arts and Entertainment

Penn State faculty saxophonist David Stambler will present a recital at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, in Esber Recital Hall. His program features a performance of James Grant's "Concerto for Saxophone," which was commissioned and premiered by Stambler. He is assisted by faculty members Daryl Durran and Mark Ferraguto. Free admission. This performance will be available via livestreamed video at music.psu.edu/livestream.

The 26th annual African-American Read-In Chain will be celebrated at Penn State Altoona Feb. 16 with "Monday Marathon," an open mic read-in held in the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. This year’s theme is "America 2015: We the People." All events are free and open to the public.

A Penn State College of Communications faculty member who teaches intermediate and advanced film production consistently hones his filmmaking skills by contributing to a variety of professional film projects.

The second annual Holiday Sing-Along will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, in the Larry and Kathryn Smith Chapel at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The community is invited to join the Behrend Chamber Singers and Concert Choir and YPC Erie in performing traditional wintertide and holiday carols.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble will present its second concert of the fall 2014 semester at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in Esber Recital Hall. The concert features student saxophonist Manuel Santos, winner of the 2013-14 Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition, in a performance of "Rondo alla Marcia" from Ingolf Dahl's "Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Orchestra." Santos is a student of saxophone professor David Stambler. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble is conducted by Dennis Glocke, assisted by wind conducting graduate student Robert Hickey. Tickets are $4.99 general admission, $2 students (available at the door). This performance is available via livestreamed video at music.psu.edu/livestream.

The Penn State Women's Chorale will present its annual fall concert at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, in Esber Recital Hall. The choir's program includes works by Czech composer Antonín Dvorak and American composers Gwyneth Walker, Ron Nelson, and Vincent Persichetti. The Women's Chorale is conducted by Jayne Glocke. Joining the choir is collaborative pianist Svetlana Rodionova and special guests Cynthia Vong, flute, and Kevin Eppinger, marimba. Tickets are $4.99 general admission, $2 students (available at the door).

“Lotus Eaters,” an exhibit showcasing works by painter Jennifer R.A. Campbell, explores the meeting point of theater and painting in a collection of elaborately staged tableaux that depict enigmatic episodes in the ongoing drama of contemporary life. The exhibit runs Nov. 14 through Dec.14. A "Meet the Artist" reception is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, featuring a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m.

Penn State Centre Stage will present Stephen Adly Gurguis’ critically acclaimed play, "The Motherf**ker with the Hat," from Nov. 17 through Dec. 6 in the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center. Taking place in modern day New York City, the play is a dark and turbulent comedy about addiction, relationships and ultimately, love. Directed by Steve Broadnax, head of the University’s M.F.A. in Acting Program, the production is R-rated and features a cast comprised of current Penn State students and faculty.

The Penn State University Choir will be joined by the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Concert Choir for its annual fall campus concert on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. in Esber Recital Hall. Tickets are $4.99 general and $2 for students (only at the door).

Penn State's Oriana Singers will present their annual fall concert "Your Whispering Heart" at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in Esber Recital Hall, University Park. Tickets are $4 general admission and $2 students and are only available at the door. This performance also will be available via livestreamed video.

The Jost Project band, featuring legendary vibraphonist Tony Miceli, will visit Penn State Brandywine to perform for students, faculty, staff and community members at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, in the Main Building Auditorium, room 101.

The American Shakespeare Center On Tour will present a free performance of William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," on Wednesday, Nov. 5, in the Playhouse Theatre in the School of Theatre Building, on the University Park campus. The doors will open and music will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the show will start at 7 p.m.

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts elected new officers and members of the board of directors at its annual meeting Oct. 21. The new officers are Joyce Robinson, board president; Steve Watson, vice-president; Bob Hicks, treasurer; and Sue Haug, secretary.